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Thursday, October 13, 2011

I used to run a mentally disabled group home for about a year. I have to tell you my experience there was like nothing I ever experienced before. Whether it is children or adults, it is more rewarding than you can ever imagine if you are able to do this type of work. People used to ask me how I was able to perform the duties that I did working in a group home, and that is what I mean by being able to do that type of work. I had many people express to me that they would never be able to handle it. "I don't know how you do it" is what they used to say to me. I never really thought twice about it to be honest. There was something in me that thoroughly enjoyed it, although with any job there are aspects that are difficult.

I just wanted to help people and make a difference. It turns out that the patients there made quite a difference in my life as well. We all live our lives complaining about every little thing that is in comparison to some, not really that bad. Life is full of blessings as well as disappointments; otherwise, life would be boring. Getting back to my point, some people considered it charity type work. I am not really sure how I would categorize it. It came natural to me, and I enjoyed every minute of it. These individuals had a wide range of disabilities ranging from one end of the spectrum to another. Do you know that I rarely heard any complaints. I mean they smiled regularly, they laughed, they enjoyed what life they had. We complain about work, and they wanted to work. I would sometimes stand there looking around me and watching my staff with the patients and just smiled. I could have been in the worst mood, but once I got into that house and these guys made me laugh, I was like a new person. My day quickly took a turn for the better. I felt it could always be worse, and it is for many.

It wasn't anything they said or did. It was the simple fact of what they were going through in their life and still managed appreciate life as much as they could. They were funny, upbeat, and lively. That is something we all forget about in life sometimes. We all have our things, and so did they. I am not saying they did not have their moments like the rest of us. It is to be expected. Of course it is ok to be depressed, upset, and have our meltdowns; however, we have to remember that there is always someone out there that needs someone or something. We are not the only ones who sometimes feel the weight of the world is on our shoulders. I try to remember that, but I am guilty of forgetting that fact. I won't deny that fact. I just think we need to be involved more, do more for others, and try to help another if we can no matter how simple. I have always felt this way, but I become more inspired by people I meet in my life or come in contact with. It just makes it more of a pursuit of mine. I want to live my life surround by a great support system and great family and friends. Giving back not expecting anything in return is the true meaning of giving.

One day I went to get on the bus and this guy did not have enough money on his metro card as he thought he did, so the driver was going to tell him to get off. I took mine out and paid the rest of his fair. He thanked me three times! He said I will pay it forward to someone else when I refused for him to give me the money for it. I said that is all I want you to do. It is not about the big things all the time. Life is about the small gestures too. You never know where your life might take a unexpected turn no matter what situation you are in. Any one of us can end up needing assistance at some point. Never say never! Life is not as it once was these days. There are SO many people and groups out there willing to give and offer assitance in any way they can. These "so called" strangers are there to do what they can. That is what it is all about people. Together we can make a difference little by little all around the world. Let's make charity, giving, and getting involved a worldwide trend that continues to grow.

Charities and giving is something I am a HUGE advocate on. There is so much going on and so much we can do. If you can't donate, than volunteer. There is always a way to help. Go on Twitter and retweet a tweet, go on Facebook like a page, talk about it, or share the information with your friends. There are so many options if you just take the time to educate yourself and see what you can do. If you can donate just $5, than do not feel ashamed of that. That $5 will go a long way in some places. Anything is something. I say that all the time. Some are in better positions than others, but do not EVER feel as if you are not making a difference by what YOU do.

I try to spread it out in a variety of ways. That being said, all of us have one or more that big advocates on for whatever reasons we have. I try to give in everyway I can to whatever I come across daily. It is good for your heart and soul. Not that we are doing it to get something back, but it does make one feel good about who they are; however, keep in mind it is not for our benefit. We do things because that is who we are. It is not because we expect gratitude or a party. If you do things expecting something back, than it is not truly a selfless act. Some question whether that really exists. I recently came across that in one of my psychology classes. Regardless, it still matters. You are not happy because of your ego, but because you made another happy. Feel good because you did something for another.

You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. ~ John Wooden

We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are there always for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you. ~ Jeff Warner

There are numerous issues going on in the world today. There are hundreds of charities, organization, and people that inspire that exist that you can find on all over the internet. That being said, huge social media platforms are the place to such as Facebook or Twitter.

The main point here is that charity, giving, and doing for another should be contagious and spread around as much as possible. Together is the only way changes are made. It is healthy for everyone involved. If you are down, don't bring those around you down too rather do something for another. This will change your entire day around. Like I said it does not HAVE to be HUGE!

Giving someone a laugh that they needed could change the course of their day or even life. It might have been something you said or just that they needed that boost. It is not our job to know how much we changed, but that we created one. Trust me when I tell you that it will change your life as well!

There are hundreds of charities, organizations, groups, and inspiring people I could mention in this blog; however, they are not hard to find if you LOOK! It is the day and age of social media people! Look around you before you assume or pass judgments. You never know another person's situation or what is going on in another part of the world if you don't pay attention. If you REALLY LOOK, you will see what is behind the smoke and mirrors. If you can do something for a stranger or someone you know DO IT! Try everyday to see what you can do. Every moment in our life counts for something. Let's make it worth it. Especially in today's society there are more in need in the world than any of can imagine. We see it everyday by turning on our televisions or computers.

MAKE THE TIME! EVERY MORNING WHEN YOU WAKE UP THANK GOD, PRAY FOR SOMEONE ELSE, AND THAN YOURSELF! :)

Especially in today's society, charities, groups, organization, and people are in more need than they ever where before. I will repeat! Don't count yourself out because you can't make a big splash. It is not about the waves, but the ripples that can and will make a splash.

INSPIRE TO BE INSPRING!

There is a circle here that links us to one another: we each want to be happy; the social feeling of love is one of our greatest sources of happiness; and love entails that we be concerned for the happiness of others. We discover that we can be selfish together. ~ Sam Harris